Authoritarian v. Non-Authoritarian Educational Theories

Perennialism is the basic view that the principle of knowledge lasts forever. It could almost be translated as “everlasting.” A perennialist views nature, human nature, and the basic principles of existence as constant, not changing very much. Perennialists tend to stress the importance of time-honored ideas, the great works of past and present thinkers, and the ability to reason. The focu

Nonauthoritarian theories include progressivism, reconstructivism, humanism, and constructivism. Nonauthoritarian theories are basically opposite authoritarian theories, in that teachers are learners, and learners are teachers, and the educational process is where individuals help one another to clarify personal meaning.

Essentialism has the view that there is a common core of information and skills that everyone should know and have. Their focus would be to organize the material and curriculum to impart the knowledge and skills as effectively as possible. This idea of imparting the knowledge effectively is realized through hard work and mental discipline, and teacher-centered instruction. Focus on fundamentals and respect for authority is taught in the classroom.

Constructivism emphasizes hands-on, activity-based teaching and learning. This theor

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